Baby gentoo penguin boom at Sea World

THE gentoo sounds of little happy feet can be heard at Sea World's $12 million penguin enclosure after four baby chicks entered the world.

Sea World's gentoo penguin eggs have started to hatch. Pic: Jerad Williams

THE gentoo sounds of little happy feet can be heard at Sea World's $12 million penguin enclosure after four baby chicks entered the world.

The park's Penguin Encounter exhibit has fostered a record breeding season with another nine eggs also set to hatch any day now.

Jaiden O'Dowd gets a closer look at Sea World's baby gentoo penguins. Pic: Jerad Williams

Senior keeper Katrina Krygger said Sea World's first gentoo penguin was now a proud parent.

"One of the most exciting aspects for us this season is that Percy, our first gentoo penguin chick two years ago, has this year become a first-time parent with the help of Geuce," she said.

"The gorgeous little chicks range from newly hatched to seven days old and are growing at a rapid pace.

"Seeing these healthy penguin chicks being born is so wonderful. It is very enriching for them and is a great indicator of their health and well being."

Photo gallery: Sea World's baby gentoo penguins

%caption%href="/www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/NewsLimited/Content/REG/MediaGalleries/QLD/GoldCoast/News/2013-11-11/QLD_GCB_WEBNEWS_PENGUINS_11NOV11(3).xml.gallery.xml?uuid=11a5c734-4a64-11e3-b064-c2f87fdb25f8"/>One of the first visitors through the exhibition's gates was Jaiden O'Dowd, 10.

"I wish I could take them home with me," Jaiden said.

"They look so soft and cute. I just want to hug them."

Sea World's gentoo penguin eggs have started to hatch. Pic: Jerad Williams

Tragically, one of the chicks died shortly after hatching.

"This season 14 eggs have been laid and while one chick didn't make it there are high hopes for the remaining four and for the nine eggs still being incubated by their parents," Ms Krygger said.

"If eggs have not been fertilised the parents will gradually stop caring for the nest.

"It is impossible to tell if they get sad, but it is very important for a young couple to go through the experience.

"It is all just practice.

"It has still been the most successful breeding season in the history of our exhibition."

Sea World's gentoo penguin eggs have started to hatch. Pic: Jerad Williams

The gender of the chicks will not been known for several months until DNA tests have been conducted.

They will grow to between five and seven kilograms and will reach maturity within three years.

"We are very excited that our visitors will get to watch them grow," Ms Krygger said.

"It's satisfying watching Percy and Geuce as first-time parents caring for their chick and taking turns incubating them and regurgitating nutrient fish for them around the clock."